The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has released the 2025 study “Impact of the War on Young People in Ukraine,” which examines how the fourth year of the full-scale war has affected youth attitudes, needs, and priorities. The research focused on young people’s perceptions of community conditions, economic adaptation, employment opportunities, mental health, and their role in the country’s recovery.
Despite the prolonged conflict, Ukrainian youth remain highly optimistic about their personal futures, with 78 percent expressing hopefulness. This optimism coexists with anxiety and uncertainty, leading many to shift their planning from long-term to short-term horizons. Compared to 2024, fewer young people cite health problems, financial difficulties, or concerns about physical safety as their main challenges, indicating signs of adaptation to wartime conditions.
Mental health continues to be a pressing concern. Only 35 percent of young people in Ukraine report never experiencing excessive anxiety or panic, while the figure drops to 18 percent for those abroad. Access to psychological support remains limited, highlighting the need for expanded mental health services.
Migration sentiments show that most young Ukrainians, 68 percent, do not wish to leave the country, with only 29 percent considering emigration. Decisions to migrate are largely driven by economic conditions, security concerns, and professional opportunities, with 47 percent of those considering leaving citing the pursuit of material well-being as the main motivation.
Youth civic engagement remains strong. Over half have volunteered, and 44 percent feel they can influence change in their communities, up from 32 percent in 2024. The readiness of young people to participate in Ukraine’s recovery has increased significantly, from 59 percent to 77 percent, though actual participation remains limited. Clear engagement mechanisms are needed to translate this potential into concrete action.
Deputy Minister Uliana Tokarieva emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking to address the needs of young people and to leverage their role in shaping modern Ukraine. UNDP’s Olena Ursu highlighted the resilience and readiness of youth to contribute to recovery efforts, stressing that additional support and data-driven policies are critical for empowering them to play an active role in community and national development.
The study, prepared by the “Rating” Sociological Group with support from UNDP Ukraine and funding from the Government of Denmark, aims to guide state institutions, international partners, civil society, and youth organizations in developing policies and programs that enhance youth participation in Ukraine’s recovery.
